Spa including thermoelectric module for providing localized cooling

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a spa comprising a spa area for a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for the spa user in the spa area, wherein the spa includes a spa wall and the thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area. The thermoelectric module is disposed substantially behind the back of the user when the user is in the spa area such that the thermoelectric module is maintains the spa user&#39;s torso at a lower temperature than that of the user&#39;s extremities.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to spas, hot tubs and pools (hereinafter“spas”), and more particularly to a spa including a thermoelectricmodule for raising or lowering the temperature within a localized,single-user, area within the spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spas characteristically employ hot water, air jets and/or water jets asa therapeutic medium. On occasion, the use of heat presents a problemfor a particular spa user. For example, some spa users require warmthfor therapy but cannot withstand the heat over their entire body,particularly the trunk region. Overheating of the trunk region can causeexcess pressure to be placed on the operation of the heart and totalvascular system. However, most spa users do not want to put only an armor leg in the spa. Additionally, exposure to temperature extremes whenrepeatedly going into and out of the spa can result in overstressing theimmune system. Other spa users may require a cooler spa operatingtemperature but have a localized area of heat, again for therapeuticpurposes.

The constant interplay between finding an optimal therapeutictemperature for a user while not overheating the torso region iscompounded exponentially when multiple spa users are involved. Someusers may want or need to have a hotter or cooler personal environmentthan other users, and merely raising or lowering the overall spaoperating temperature will not necessarily satisfy this conflict.

Some spas include a seat that elevates the user's heart out of thewater. However, the user may still feel over-heated and be forced to getout of the spa to solve the problem. Additionally, leaving the sparesults in an interruption of the beneficial hydrotherapy. Moreover, theconstant fluctuations in body temperature associated with going into andout of the spa may be detrimental to the spa user.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a spa featuring theability to raise lower the temperature within a localized, single user,area within the spa.

There also exists a need for a spa adapted to keep a user's torso coolerthan the user's extremities by moderating the temperature locally.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a spa featuring the ability to lower the temperature within alocalized, single user, area within the spa.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a spa adapted to keepa user's torso cooler than the user's extremities by moderating thetemperature locally.

The present invention provides a spa including a thermoelectric modulethat allows a user the ability to lower the temperature within alocalized area within the spa, for example to keep the user's torsocooler than the extremities by moderating the torso temperature locally.By way of example, the user may experience a drop in temperature in alocalized region of about 2-6 degrees Fahrenheit, depending onpositioning of the user's body with respect to the thermoelectricmodule.

One aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa area for aspa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling for thespa user in the spa area, wherein the spa includes a spa wall and thethermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outsidesurface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area. The thermoelectricmodule is disposed substantially behind the back of the user when theuser is in the spa area such that the thermoelectric module is maintainsthe spa user's torso at a lower temperature than that of the user'sextremities. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module may be employed toheat or cool other areas of the spa user's body, such as the forearm,wrist, foot, leg, or other area of the spa user's body. According to theinvention, the thermoelectric module also provides localized heating forthe spa user in the spa area. Additionally, the spa area may be providedwith one or more buttons for activating the thermoelectric module andfor switching thermoelectric module between heating and cooling modes.

Another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa area fora spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized cooling forthe spa user in the spa area, wherein the thermoelectric modulecomprises a thermally conductive plate for contacting the spa, athermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch, a Peltierdevice in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block andthe thermally conductive plate, a heatsink and a ventilation device. Theelectrical switch is designed to switch the Peltier device between acooling device and a heating device by reversing the current in thedevice.

A further aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa areafor a spa user and a thermoelectric module providing localized coolingfor the spa user in the spa area, wherein the thermoelectric module isemployed to cool a water bladder containing water and the cooled wateris delivered to a localized area of the spa. The thermoelectric modulemay include either a thermally conductive plate that is substantially incontact with the water bladder or an external coil that is in thermalcommunication with the water within the water bladder. The module mayfurther comprise a pump for moving the cooled water through a hose to apredetermined area within the spa, wherein a distal end of the hose isprovided with a nozzle for controlling the direction and intensity ofthe water flow out of the hose.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spawall, a plurality of spa areas for spa users and a plurality ofthermoelectric modules that provide localized cooling for spa users inthe spa areas, such that each spa area includes a correspondingthermoelectric module. Each thermoelectric module is substantially incontact with an outside surface of the spa wall adjacent to a spa area,and each spa area is provided with one or more buttons for activatingthe corresponding thermoelectric module and for switching betweenheating and cooling modes.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated from review of the following detailed description of theinvention, along with the accompanying figures in which like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectricmodule for cooling or heating an object;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred thermoelectricmodule for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa, in accordancewith the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred spa including thermoelectric modulesfor providing localized cooling and/or heating functionality, inaccordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred spa of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a thermoelectric module being used to coola water bladder so that the cooled water may be delivered to a localizedarea of a spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative spa including thermoelectricmodules for providing localized cooling and/or heating functionality, inaccordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described indetail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings.Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on thepresent invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to anyone of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and anyequivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the“present invention” throughout this document does not mean that allclaimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

Peltier devices are small solid-state devices that function as bothheaters and coolers. Such devices are from a family of solid-statedevices known as thermoelectric modules. A typical unit is a fewmillimeters thick by a few millimeters to a few centimeters square thatcomprises a sandwich formed by two ceramic plates with an array of smallBismuth Telluride Bi₂Te₃ cubes (“couples”) in between. When a DC currentis applied, heat is moved from one side of the Peltier device to theother, whereby the heat may be removed with a heatsink. The “cold” sideis commonly used to cool electronic devices such as microprocessors orphotodetectors. When the current is reversed, the device makes anexcellent heater.

Thermoelectric modules employ appropriately doped semiconductormaterials (e.g., Bismuth Telluride) that have been suitably doped toprovide individual blocks or elements having distinct “N” and “P”characteristics. Other suitable thermoelectric materials include LeadTelluride (PbTe), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), and Bismuth-Antimony (Bi—Sb)alloys. Bismuth Telluride-based thermoelectric modules are designedprimarily for cooling or combined cooling and heating applications,wherein electrical power creates a temperature difference across themodule. Since thermoelectric modules are solid-state components, theyhave no moving parts to wear out, and are considered to be highlyreliable components.

Thermoelectric modules such as Peltier devices are not meant to servelarger applications such as room air conditioners. Rather, they are bestsuited for smaller cooling applications, although they may be suitablefor applications as large as portable picnic-type coolers. Peltierdevices may be stacked to achieve lower temperatures. In certainapplications, Peltier devices are not very efficient and can draw ampsof power. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by a number ofPeltier device advantages, including, but not limited to: (1) having nomoving parts; (2) having no Freon refrigerant; (3) producingsubstantially no noise; (4) producing substantially no vibration; (5)having a very small size; (6) having a relatively long life; and (7)being capable of precision temperature control.

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectricmodule 102 comprising a Peltier device that may be employed to cool orheat an object 104. The thermoelectric module 102 includes a pluralityof semiconductor pellets 106, wherein adjacent pellets 106 are ofopposite semiconductor type. In other words, every other pellet 106 a isP-type semiconductor material, while the intervening pellets 106 b areN-type semiconductor material. Adjacent pellets 106 are connected byelectrically conductive members 108 to form a series circuit, the endsof which are connected to the terminals of a DC voltage source 110. Theelectrically conductive members 108 contact an electrically insulatingsubstrate panel 112, which contacts the object 104 to be cooled.Similarly, the electrically conductive members 108 contact anelectrically insulating substrate panel 114, which contacts a heat sink116. A ventilation device such as a fan can be utilized to remove heatfrom the heat sink 116.

When current from the DC voltage source 110 flows from one of theconductive strips 108 into a P-type pellet 106 a or from an N-typepellet 106 b into one of the conductive strips 108, heat is given offinto the surroundings. When current from the voltage source 110 flowsfrom one of the P-type pellets 106 a into one of the conductive strips108 or from one of the conductive strips 108 into an N-type pellet 106b, heat is absorbed from the surroundings. Thus, the thermoelectricmodule 102 absorbs heat from its surroundings through the firstsubstrate panel 112 and releases heat to its surroundings through thesecond substrate panel 114.

Since the first substrate panel 112 of the Peltier device 102 iscontacting a localized area of the object 104, the semiconductor pellets106 absorb heat from the object 104, thereby cooling the object 104.Likewise, since the second substrate panel 114 is contacting the heatsink 116, the semiconductor pellets 106 transfer heat to the heat sink.As depicted in FIG. 1, the current flows in a clockwise path from thepositive terminal of the voltage source 110, through the Peltier device102, and to the negative terminal of the voltage source 110. If thevoltage source 110 is reversed so that the current flows in acounterclockwise path, heat would be absorbed through the secondsubstrate panel 114 and released through the first substrate panel 112,thereby heating the localized area of the object 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred thermoelectric module 140 for coolingor heating a localized area of a spa comprises a thermally conductiveplate 144 for contacting the spa, an insulating material 148 having acutout 152, a thermally conductive block 156 for housing an electricalswitch 158, a Peltier device 162 in thermal communication with the block156 and the plate 144, an insulating gasket 166 dimensioned to fitwithin the cutout 152, a heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. Byway of example, the thermally conductive plate 144 may comprise a 3 mmAluminum plate that may be pre-cut to any shape and size. A suitablematerial for the insulating material 148 comprises polystyrene foam. ThePeltier device 162 may comprise any conventional solid-state Peltierdevice that preferably functions as both a localized cooler and heaterfor a spa. An electrical switch 158 is provided for switching thePeltier device 162 between a cooling device and a heating device byreversing the current within the device.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the thermally conductive block 156includes threaded apertures (not shown) for receiving threaded screws186 for attachment of the plate 144 to one side of the block 156. ThePeltier device 162 is disposed on the opposite side of the block 156,and is connected to a DC voltage source via wires 190. A heatsinkcompound 192 may be applied to both sides of thermally conductive block,as well as to an inner surface 196 of the thermally conductive plate144. The insulating gasket 166 includes a cutout 194 dimensioned toreceive the Peltier device 162. A suitable material for the insulatinggasket 166 comprises high density foam. The heatsink 170 and ventilationdevice 174 are attached to the thermally conductive block 156 by way ofthreaded screws 198 that are received by corresponding threadedapertures 202 within the block 156. The ventilation device 174 maycomprise a 12V fan including a finger guard 206 that is attached to theventilation device 174 and heatsink 170 by way of fasteners 210.According to some embodiments of the invention, the heat generated bythe Peltier device may be routed into the spa system for improved energyefficiency.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, a spa 220 includes a thermoelectric modules 140,such as described with respect to FIG. 2, for providing localizedcooling and/or heating functionality. In particular, each thermoelectricmodule 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 e is attached to the spa 220 adjacent toa corresponding spa area such as a seat 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d suchthat the module functions as a localized cooler or heater for a user inthe corresponding spa area. In the illustrated embodiment, the spa 220comprises a wall 224 including an internal wall 228 and an external wall236. Each thermoelectric module 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 e is preferablyattached to an outside surface 232 of the internal wall 228, wherein theexternal wall 236 may be removed in part for the installation of thethermoelectric modules 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d. In the illustratedembodiment, the spa wall 224 is depicted as being circular. However, aswould be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the spa wall226 may comprise any other shape (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.)without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the thermoelectric module 140 a may be disposedsubstantially behind the back of a user that is seated in seat 224 a ofthe spa 220, such that the thermoelectric module 140 a functions aseither a heater or cooler depending on the individual requirements ordesires of the user. The thermoelectric module 140 a may be disposedadjacent to areas of the user's body other than the back (e.g., theforearm, wrist, foot or leg), without departing from the scope of theinvention. Each spa area location may be provided with one or morebuttons 238 in electrical communication with the switch 158 (FIG. 2) foractivating the thermoelectric module 140 and for switching thethermoelectric module 140 between heating and cooling modes. Thethermoelectric module 140 is disposed such that the thermally conductiveplate 144 substantially abuts the outside surface 232 of the internalwall 228 of the spa 220. The thermally conductive plate 144 may becontoured to substantially match the contour of the internal wall 228.

In accordance with the invention, a spa that features one or morethermoelectric modules 140 described herein allows users the ability tolower temperatures within localized areas within the spa. For example, athermoelectric module 140 may be employed to keep a user's torso coolerthan the user's extremities by moderating the torso temperature locally.According to some embodiments of the invention, the user may experiencea drop in temperature in a localized region of about 2-6 degreesFahrenheit, depending on the positioning of the user's body with respectto the thermoelectric module. In this manner, a thermoelectric module140 may be used to protect the user's torso and body core temperaturefrom overheating. Conversely, a thermoelectric module 140 may be used toheat a localized area of a spa. Advantageously, the thermoelectricmodule 140 is highly energy efficient and virtually silent, andexperiences substantially no condensation in the operable temperaturerange.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention, a thermoelectric module 140 may be employed tocool or heat a water bladder 240, so that the cooled or heated water maybe delivered to a localized area of a spa 244. Suitable materials forthe water bladder 240 comprise poly vinyl carbonate (PVC) andpolyurethane (PU). The thermoelectric module 140 may be attached to thewater bladder 240 using an adhesive such as glue. As described abovewith respect to FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 140 comprises athermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the water bladder 240, aPeltier device 162 in thermal communication with the plate 144, aheatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. According to some embodimentsof the invention, the water bladder 240 may comprise a cool pillow orcollar for an individual spa user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric module 140 is attachedto the water bladder 240 such that the thermally conductive plate 144 isin contact with the water bladder 240. In operation, the thermallyconductive plate 144 is employed to either cool or heat water (or otherfluid) within the water bladder 240. According to another embodiment ofthe invention, the thermoelectric module 140 may include an externalcoil instead of the thermally conductive plate 144 that is in thermalcommunication with the Peltier device 162, wherein the external coil isprovided in direct contact with the water or other fluid within thewater bladder 240. Once the fluid within the water bladder 240 reaches adesired temperature, the water may be transferred using a pump 250 tomove fluid through one or more hoses 254 to one or more predeterminedarea within the spa 244.

Referring to FIG. 6, the spa 244 comprises a plurality of spa areas 260a, 260 b, 260 c, 260 d, wherein each spa area is provided with buttons264 a, 264 b, 264 c, 264 d for activating localized water delivery andfor switching between cooling or heating capabilities. In particular,thermoelectric module 140′ is employed for cooling or heating a waterbladder 240′ for providing cooled or heated water for spa areas 260 a,260 b, whereas thermoelectric module 140″ is employed for cooling orheating water bladder 240″ for providing cooled or heated water for spaareas 260 c, 260 d. In this manner, a spa user in spa area 260 a maypress a button 264 a such that cooled or heated water is delivered to alocalized spa area 260 a. For example, thermoelectric module 140′ may beemployed to cool off the water in the bladder 240′, and then the coolwater may be transferred to an area of the spa 244 that is behind thetrunk region of a user. Additionally, the thermoelectric module 140′ maybe employed to heat the water in the bladder 240′, and then the hotwater may be transferred to an area of the spa 244 for treatment of apredetermined body area of a user.

With further reference to FIG. 6, hoses 254 a, 254 b, 254 c, 254 d mayextend through a wall 270 of the spa 244 so that each hose correspondsto an individual spa area 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, 260 d. A distal end ofeach hose 254 a, 254 b, 254 c, 254 d may be provided with a nozzle 274a, 274 b, 274 c, 274 d for controlling the direction and intensity ofthe water flow out of the corresponding hose 254 a, 254 b, 254 c, 254 d.Advantageously, the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ permit spa tolower temperatures within localized areas within the spa 244. In thismanner, the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ may be used to protect auser's torso and body core temperature from overheating. Additionally,the thermoelectric modules 140′, 140″ may be used to heat a localizedarea of a spa. According to some embodiments of the invention, the waterbladder 240 described hereinabove may comprise a reservoir disposed withthe spa wall 270 in fluid communication with the nozzles 274 a, 274 b,274 c, 274 d.

Thus, it is seen that a spa including a thermoelectric module forproviding localized cooling is provided. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than thevarious embodiments and preferred embodiments, which are presented inthis description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, andthe present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It isnoted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in thisdescription may practice the invention as well.

1. A spa, comprising: a spa area for a spa user; and a thermoelectricmodule providing localized cooling for the spa user located in the spaarea.
 2. The spa of claim 1, wherein: the spa includes a spa wall; andthe thermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outsidesurface of the spa wall adjacent to the spa area.
 3. The spa of claim 2,wherein the thermoelectric module is contoured to substantially match acontour the outside surface of the spa wall.
 4. The spa of claim 1,wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed substantially behind aback of the user when the user is in the spa area.
 5. The spa of claim1, wherein the thermoelectric module is employed to cool the spa user'sforearm, wrist, foot or leg when the user is in the spa area.
 6. The spaof claim 5, wherein the thermoelectric module is designed to maintainthe spa user's torso at a lower temperature than that of the spa user'sextremities.
 7. The spa of claim 6, wherein a difference in temperaturebetween the user's torso and the user's extremities is between 2 degreesFahrenheit and 6 degrees Fahrenheit.
 8. The spa of claim 1, wherein thethermoelectric module also provides localized heating for the spa userin the spa area.
 9. The spa of claim 8, wherein the spa area is providedwith one or more buttons for activating the thermoelectric module andfor switching thermoelectric module between heating and cooling modes.10. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises aPeltier device.
 11. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectricmodule comprises: a thermally conductive plate for contacting the spa; athermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch; a Peltierdevice in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block andthe thermally conductive plate; a heatsink; and a ventilation device.12. The spa of claim 11, wherein the electrical switch is designed toswitch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating deviceby reversing the current in the device.
 13. The spa of claim 11, whereinthe thermoelectric module is employed to cool a water bladder containingwater such that cooled water is delivered to the spa area.
 14. The spaof claim 13, wherein the thermoelectric module includes a thermallyconductive plate substantially in contact with the water bladder. 15.The spa of claim 13, wherein the thermoelectric module includes anexternal coil in thermal communication with the water within the waterbladder.
 16. The spa of claim 13, further comprising a pump for movingthe cooled water through a hose to a predetermined area within the spa.17. The spa of claim 16, wherein a distal end of the hose is providedwith a nozzle for controlling the direction and intensity of the waterflow out of the hose.
 18. A spa, comprising: a spa wall; a plurality ofspa areas for spa users within the spa wall; and a plurality ofthermoelectric modules that provide localized cooling for spa users inthe spa areas, such that each spa area includes a correspondingthermoelectric module.
 19. The spa of claim 18, wherein eachthermoelectric module is substantially in contact with an outsidesurface of the spa wall adjacent to a spa area.
 20. The spa of claim 19,wherein each spa area is provided with one or more buttons foractivating the corresponding thermoelectric module and for switchingbetween heating and cooling modes.
 21. The spa of claim 19, wherein eachthermoelectric module comprises: a thermally conductive plate forcontacting the spa; a thermally conductive block for housing anelectrical switch; a Peltier device in thermal communication with thethermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate; aheatsink; and a ventilation device.